Research and Health Science Education Undergraduate Student Leadership Awards

The Research and Health Science Education (RHSE) Undergraduate Student Leadership Awards recognize life science students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership through outstanding academic achievement, service to the University, and commitment to and promotion of the values of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. We acknowledge that every student’s journey is unique, and that leadership may be demonstrated in a variety of ways.

Eligibility

Undergraduate student enrolled in a major and/or specialist program in a Basic Medical Science (BMS) department in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Student must be in their final year of study (i.e., nominee must expect to convocate from their current program in June or November of the award year).
Student must have a minimum cGPA of 3.7

Award Value

Up to three awards will be given out each year
Each award is valued at $500
Each award recipient will receive a framed certificate and acknowledgement on the TFoM website/newsletter

Nomination Process and Deadline

Each BMS department will solicit suggestions for nominations from their faculty, staff, and students.
Self-nominations are not permitted.
The Undergraduate Associate Chair/Coordinator or a designated committee of the BMS department will consider suggestions and nominate up to two (2) students.
The Undergraduate Associate Chair/Coordinator or their designate will assemble and submit the nomination packages. Incomplete packages will not be considered.
Each nomination package should be submitted as a single pdf file:
- Email to: medicine.hse@utoronto.ca (Office of the Vice-Dean, RHSE)
  - Deadline: Monday, March 18, 2024

Nomination Package - Documents Required

Completed nomination form
Brief personal statement from the nominee highlighting how they have developed and demonstrated
leadership throughout their undergraduate experience. What are they most proud of as a student leader? (Maximum 1000 words)
Nominee's current abridged Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages, time commitment for each experience required)
Nominee’s current transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable)
One (1) brief letter of support from a peer of the nominee who has been directly impacted by the nominee's leadership. This letter should speak to the individual's personal experiences with the nominee which demonstrate their leadership and the impact they have had. (Maximum 300 words)

Note: It is highly recommended that both the nominee and peer supporter carefully consider the award evaluation criteria as they prepare their statements.

Selection and Notification Process

In April: An adjudication committee consisting of 1 TFoM faculty member (non-BMS department), 1 graduate/MD student, and 1 RHSE staff member will review the nomination packages.
In May: The Office of the Vice-Dean, RHSE will issue a letter to each award winner with a copy to the Undergraduate Coordinator/Associate Chair and department Chair.
Departments are encouraged to acknowledge award winners at a departmental event/awards ceremony.

Award Evaluation Criteria

Points	Criteria
2	A. Academic Leadership ✓ Consistently maintained a strong academic performance (i.e., min. cGPA 3.7) ✓ Demonstrated dedication to their field of study via research or other scholarly activity
3	B. Service & Engagement within the department/TFoM/University ✓ Quality, quantity, scope, and level of service (e.g., participation in committees, governance, leadership in clubs, mentorship, etc.) ✓ Direct and positive impact on others ✓ Significance of leadership activities (e.g., long-lasting impact, highly innovative, wide-reaching, etc.
1	C. Promotion of Diversity & Inclusion and/or Health & Well-Being ✓ Actively fostered a healthy, diverse, and inclusive environment through their leadership ✓ Participated in activities or organizations focused on diversity and inclusion and/or health and wellbeing
3	D. Leadership Qualities & Development ✓ Inspired and motivated peers ✓ Acted as a mentor and/or ethical role model, facilitating the development of others ✓ Earned the respect and trust of others ✓ Effectively communicated and collaborated with diverse stakeholders and within teams ✓ Demonstrated the ability to actively listen, consider others' perspectives, and act with empathy ✓ Achieved personal growth and developed leadership skills throughout their undergraduate journey
1	E. Other Considerations ✓ Overall consideration of achievements in light of nominee’s personal or other circumstances/activities (including participation in leadership activities with external communities/organizations, other obligations and time commitments, etc.
TOTAL 10